Columns

On June 10, we will have state primary elections for both Democrats and Republicans; this we know for sure. What we don’t know, and what many are worried about, is will the actual voting and election process work honestly and smoothly the way its suppose to.

During National Police Week, May 13-19, I’d like to encourage you to take the time to recognize our local law enforcement officers for their service to Lancaster County.

Our officers face many risks and challenges and their sacrifice and service are often taken for granted. If you encounter a deputy, police officer, highway patrolman or corrections officer this week, show your support and let them know how much their work means to you.

Seventy-five years ago, on July 4, 1939, Lou Gehrig delivered what is now known as sports’ most famous speech. Suffering from the symptoms of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), he died less than two years later at the age of 37.

Today, Gehrig remains an inspiration, representing fortitude, humility and courage to the tens of thousands of Americans living with Lou Gehrig’s disease.

Most people like having new vehicles. A new convertible would be especially nice for the summer time. Unfortunately, with new vehicles come taxes and it’s important for you to understand what taxes are due and how to pay them to avoid problems later on.

When purchasing a vehicle, you must pay local property taxes to the County Treasurer’s Office and you must also pay a sales tax for the vehicle to the S.C. Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

At the Lancaster County Council meeting April 28, the U.S. 521/S.C. 160 corridor overlay district was approved for second reading and remanded to the Planning Commission for revision on a number of specific topics suggested by various council members at the meeting. The matter is to be considered at the Planning Commission meeting May 20 and returned to County Council for action at its June 9 meeting.

South Carolina is known as a “red state” and a “conservative” state, and so one might be led to believe it’s a place where non-“progressive,” free-market policies reign. Certainly South Carolina has a reputation for being a “low tax state.” But the reputation is unearned.

A brief look at the legislature’s record on tax policy – perhaps the most fundamental free market issue – reveals a profound disconnect between reputation and reality.

The other night I was on the sofa juggling the remote control in one hand, a custom-built ham sandwich with the works in the other, and a plate of Cheetos and a cold beer on my lap. I was one false move from a big mess when I froze on the spot as a guy on TV in a suit at some government committee table said it.

“When adults fight, children lose.”

What a simple, brilliant assessment of what’s happening with education politics in our state and nation.

Luke 24 tells much about the resurrection of Jesus Christ. When several women disciples came to Jesus’ tomb to anoint his body on the Sunday morning after his death, they found that the stone over its entrance had been rolled away.

Entering the tomb, they did not find his body. They were disturbed by this, but two angels appeared to tell them that Jesus had risen, and that he had predicted his crucifixion and resurrection while he was still in Galilee.

What’s the difference between the terms “pro-free market” and “pro-business?” The former refers to policies that limit or remove government interference in economic activity – low taxes, fewer regulations, the absence of government subsidies, etc. The term “pro-business,” by contrast, can mean almost anything.